THE HISTORIE OF GUICCIARDIN: CONTAINING THE WARRES OF ITALIE AND OTHER PARTES

London: Richard Field, 1599. Second Edition in English. The most important work of the Italian statesman, political theorist, and historian Guicciardini (1483-1540), this book was unprecedented in its scope, embracing the political history of all Italy. Pforzheimer says the book "was undoubtedly the greatest historical work that had appeared since the beginning of the modern era. It remains the most solid monument of Italian reason in the sixteenth century." He points out further that the book was clearly of interest to English readers because it went through three editions in English in 40 years (the first was in 1579), despite being very large and probably very costly. This work has become quite rare found complete and in such good condition.. 295 x 190 mm. (11 5/8 x 7 1/2"). 5 p.l., 459, 500-786, 789-943, [13] pp. (first and last leaves blank; complete despite pagination errors). Second Edition in English. Contemporary calf, covers with central filigree ornament and triple rule border in blind and gilt, raised bands, spine with gilt rules, ornaments, and later(?) morocco label. Front pastedown with the ownership signature of J. G. Woolfe, the book label of Steven St. Clair, a morocco armorial symbol (possibly cut from a binding?), and two modern descriptions pasted in. PMM 85 (1561 edition); Pforzheimer 442; Lowndes II, 954; STC 12459. Hinges cracked but in no danger, some light scuffing and abrasions to covers and spine, a bit of wear along the edges, but otherwise a nicely preserved and stately binding; interior with a few small, isolated rust spots and other small sta
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